Garrett Scahill

May 14, 2018

What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?

I’m the head brewer at Vail Brewing Co. in Vail, Colo. I started homebrewing in 1998 while at the University of New Hampshire. I moved to Vail in 2001 to ski and worked briefly at the Kaltenberg Castle Brewery in Lionshead Village. Years later, I decided to make a life change and pursue the dream of opening a brewery. I went back to school at Siebel in Chicago and several years later, here we are!

What’s new at Vail Brewing?

We recently introduced our Pete’s Stash Pale, Gore Creek IPA, and Hot Mess Blonde in cans, and would like to slowly increase our footprint locally. [Editor’s note: Pete’s Stash and Gore Creek IPA both won bronze medals at the 2018 World Beer Cup.]

What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?

Brewers are a very communal breed, always willing to share ideas and lend a hand.

Name a favorite food and beer pairing.

At the moment, a New England-style IPA and just about anything!

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

Raising two beautiful children and having a wife who supports me.

What’s your favorite beer from another brewery?

Maine Beer Co.’s Dinner!

What’s the most memorable travel destination where you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?

Namche Bazaar, Nepal (near Mt. Everest at 11,000 feet). We had just spent weeks trekking and climbing and found a little bar with a pool table and Pabst Blue Ribbon.

What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?

Ski, mountain bike, hike, travel, and spend time with my family.

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